Late last week the four-time world champion, Vettel, announced that he will be retiring from the sport at the end of the current season.

Aston Martin has confirmed that the two-time world champion and two-time 24Hours of Le Mans winner, Fernando Alonso, will be joining them on a multi-year contract.

Alonso said the passion of the team over Lawrence Stroll and his son, Lance – who will be his teammate at Aston Martin – has impressed him and is a reason for his decision to join them.

“This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today.

“I have known Lawrence and Lance Stroll for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1. I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone. No one in Formula 1 today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it an exciting opportunity for me.

“I still have the hunger and ambition to fight to be at the front, and I want to be part of an organisation that is committed to learn, develop, and succeed. We all appreciate that there is much to be done to get to the front, and that we must apply all our energies in working together to find performance.

“The passion and desire to perform that I have witnessed convince me to maintain my enjoyment and commitment to the sport. I intend to win again in this sport and therefore I have to take the opportunities that feel right to me.”

The 41-year-old Alonso is currently driving for Alpine and is currently 10th in the drivers’ standings.

Alonso has previously also driven for Renault and Ferrari.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport